Glossary
Bureau of the Fiscal Service

Glossary

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A

Accounting Code - A unique agency classification code assigned to a transaction. Identifies the 

FRB Account Key that is used within the Federal Reserve. In check capture, it is a method of 

grouping individual check transactions into certain classifications. In deposit reporting, the 

classification is being done at a voucher level, where a voucher is being classified with one or 

many agency defined accounting codes or TAS.

Accounting Code Description - A brief explanation that provides further detail about an 

accounting code.

Accounting Code Name - The title of the accounting code.

Accounting Key - The account number assigned to a deposit when it is submitted to FRB 

CA$HLINK. The FRB Account Key is used by FRB CASHLINK in combination with the RTN to 

determine the appropriate CA$HLINK II CAN. The FRB Account Key is similar to the CAN, but is 

only used for FRB financial activity.

Accounting Specialist - A user who is an expert on the organizational structure, reporting needs 

and accounting rules for their agency. This role will establish and maintain the organizational 

foundation, accounting data and accounting relationships at the highest level of the agency in 

OTCnet. This role can also establish, maintain, and view processing options that one or more 

lower level endpoints will use in OTCnet.

Acknowledged Batch Status - Indicates the batch was transmitted and fully processed by the 

OTCnet server without error.

Acknowledged Error Batch Status - Indicates the acknowledge batch process experienced 

system errors and the acknowledgment was unsuccessful, or a user selected to cancel the batch 

acknowledgment which resulted in a batch being updated to Acknowledgment Error.

ACR Activity Report - A check processing business report that allows you to view detailed 

information about transactions that were adjusted, corrected, or reversed/rescinded. Users can 

generate a report that covers a maximum period of 45 calendar days.

Activity Type - The parameter indicates if a User Defined Field (UDF) is used for capturing 

custom agency information for a deposit or during classifying the deposit with accounting 

codes. OTCnet allows for the creation of three UDFs for the deposit activity, and two UDFs for 

the deposit accounting subtotals activity.

Adjustment Activity (FI) Report - A business report that allows you to view adjustments made 

by your financial institution (FI).

Adjustment Historical Report - A deposit historical report that allows you to view historical 

deposit adjustment and returned item adjustment transaction data.
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Adjustments by OTC Endpoint Report - A business report that allows you to view adjustments 

made by Agency Location Code (ALC) and Adjustment Types (Credit, Debit or Return Item 

Adjustments). An adjustment was created when a deposit ticket has been received by a 

financial institution and the amount of the deposit does not match the deposit amount 

reported on the deposit ticket.

Agency CIRA Report - A check processing business report that allows you to view the batch 

level transaction activity for a specified OTC Endpoint. A user can filter the report by Received 

Date, Capture Date, Batch ID, or Check Capture Operator.

Agency Contact - A person designated by an agency as the primary contact regarding depositrelated matters.

Agency Information - The optional comments or instructions, receipt processing dates, 

alternate agency contact, and internal control number for your deposit.

Agency Location Code (ALC) - A numeric symbol identifying the agency accounting and/or 

reporting office.

Agency Location Code plus 2 (ALC+2) - The agency location code plus a unique two digit 

number that is used in OTCnet to identify a cashflow at a location within an ALC. This plus two 

digits accommodates the fact that one ALC can represent many locations, and allows the 

agency to identify those locations specifically.

Agency Manager - A user that has authorization to view and download CIRA CSV reports and 

ACR Activity reports, run CIRA queries and view other general reports such as the SF215 Deposit 

Ticket and 5515 Debit Voucher reports, as well as view and download Historical Reports. The 

agency user can view if an endpoint is designated for summary level classification, and the 

agency comments associated to an endpoint.

Alternate Agency Contact - A person designated by an agency as the secondary contact 

regarding deposit-related matters.

American Bankers Association (ABA) - (also known as Bank Routing Number) A routing transit 

number (RTN), routing number, or ABA number is a nine-digit bank code, used in the United 

States, which appears on the bottom of negotiable instruments such as checks identifying the 

financial institution on which it was drawn.

Approved Batch Status - Indicates that the batch is ready for settlement (online only). Indicates 

that the batch is ready for upload and settlement (offline only).
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Audit Log - A table that records all interactions between the user and OTCnet Deposit 

Reporting, Check Capture, Check Processing, administrative actions and other processes that 

take place in the application. Some entries also contain before and after values for actions 

completed. The audit log is available for download to a Comma Separated Value (CSV) report 

and opened in a spreadsheet program or available to print in a formatted audit log report.

Automated Clearing House - A computerized network used by member financial institutions to 

process payment orders in machine readable form. ACH processes both credit and debit 

transactions between financial institutions in batches. ACH items are settled electronically and 

do not require an image.

Awaiting Approval (AWAP) - A deposit that is waiting for deposit confirmation by a Deposit 

Approver.

B

Back Office Processing Method - Indicates that a customer presented a check in person, but 

the check is being scanned in a controlled back-office environment away from the customer.

Batch - A file containing the transaction information and tiff images (collection of scanned 

checks) of one or more checks, which will be sent for settlement.

Batch Approver - An agency user that has the authorization to approve a batch either prior to 

batch upload from OTCnet Offline or when a batch is uploaded/submitted to OTCnet Online but 

not yet approved. The Batch Approver permission must be applied to either a Check Capture 

Lead Operator or Check Capture Operator roles and allows the operators to approve batches 

that they have created. This role should be granted in limited cases at sites where there is a 

need for the operator to perform this function without a Check Capture Supervisor present.

Batch Control/Batch Balancing - An optional feature (which can be configured to be 

mandatory) that agencies can use as a batch balancing tool to perform checks and balances on 

the number of checks that have been scanned, and ensure their respective dollar amounts and 

check number totals have been accurately entered. The functionality is available for both single 

item mode and batch mode.

Batch ID - The unique number assigned to a batch by OTCnet.

Batch List Report - A report that contains transaction information for each batch item, including 

the Individual Reference Number (IRN), Item Type, ABA Number, Account Number, Check 

Number, and Amount.
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Batch Status - Reflects the current state of a batch during processing, transmission, and 

settlement. The batch states for OTCnet Online are Open, Closed, Approved, and Forwarded. 

The batch states for OTCnet Offline are Open, Closed, Approved, Sending, Sent, Acknowledged, 

Send Error, and Acknowledgment Error (offline only).

Batch Uploader - An agency user that has the authorization to upload a batch from OTCnet 

Offline to the online database. The Batch Uploader permission must be applied to either a 

Check Capture Lead Operator or Check Capture Operator roles and allows the operators to 

auto-upload the batch upon close (if the terminal is configured to do so), or upload approved 

batches. This role should be granted in limited cases at sites where there is a need for the 

operator to perform this function without a Check Capture Supervisor present.

Blocked - A customer may no longer present checks for a specific ABA number and account 

number due to manual entry by authorized persons into the MVD, rather than the result of a 

failed transaction. If desired, an authorized user can edit the transactional record to a clear 

status.

Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS) - (formerly FMS) The Bureau of the United States Department 

of Treasury that provides central payment services to federal agencies, operates the federal 

government's collections and deposit systems, provides government wide accounting and 

reporting services, and manages the collection of delinquent debt owed to the government.

Business Event Type Code (BETC) - A code used in the CARS/GWA system to indicate the type 

of activity being reported, such as payments, collections, borrowings, etc. This code must 

accompany the Treasury Account Symbol (TAS).

C

CA$HLINK II - An electronic cash concentration, financial information, and data warehouse 

system used to manage the collection of U.S. government funds and to provide deposit 

information to Federal agencies.

CA$HLINK II Account Number (CAN) - The account number assigned to a deposit when it is 

submitted to CA$HLINK II.

Capture Date - The account number assigned to a deposit when it is submitted to CA$HLINK II.

Card Acquiring Service (CAS) - (formerly Plastic Card Network) A Bureau of the Fiscal Service 

federal program that provides federal agencies with payment card (credit, debit, electronic 

benefit transfer (EBT) and store-value (gift cards) cards) acceptance capabilities.

Card Administrator - An agency user that has the authorization to manage endpoints for card 

processing, set up and view terminal configuration and read and view audit log information.
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Card Invoice ID - The unique Invoice ID for a processed card transaction. The default on 

terminals is set to 10 characters, a max of 40 characters can be configured for MX terminals. It 

can be used to track transactions in OTCnet.

Card Operator - An agency user that has the authorization to start card processing, query, void, 

and refund any card transaction, as well as reboot and check terminal connection status.

Card Processing - A functionality available in OTCnet that allows agencies to provide customers 

with an option to make payments with a credit, debit or Visa/Mastercard gift card. The card 

transactions are directly sent to WorldPay. WorldPay sends all approved OTCnet transactions 

via a Card Acquiring Service (CAS) flat file to Collections Information Repository (CIR) for deposit 

reporting.

(80mm) Card Receipt Printer - A printer that can be selected by a Card Operator or Kiosk 

Operator; the 80mm printer provides the ability to print standard-sized card receipts on 3.125in 

(80mm) paper.

Card Uploader - A full vendor kiosk server system role that is authorized to transmit card data 

from an external kiosk system to OTCnet. This role requests acknowledgement of the data 

transmitted; the system account with this role has no other permissions.

Cashier ID - The ID of the user that created the transaction.

Central Accounting Reporting System (CARS) - (formerly GWA) The system that addresses the 

central accounting and reporting functions and processes associated with budget execution, 

accountability, and cash/other asset management. This includes the collection and 

dissemination of financial management and accounting information from and to federal 

program agencies.

Central Image and Research Archive (CIRA) - The Central Image Research Archive (CIRA) is an 

image archive of all items processed in the OTCnet System.

Central Image and Research Archive (CIRA) Query - An online query function that allows users 

to search for all check transactions (includes mobile check transactions) processed in the 

OTCnet application that have been settled less than 18 months ago.

Characteristics - The properties of a user, organization, deposit, or financial institution.

Check 21 - Provides the legal framework for the creation of substitute checks which can be used 

in place of the original paper document, without an agreement in place with other financial 

institutions. A substitute check is a paper reproduction of the original check. Check 21 items 

require an image before they can settle. Check 21 is also referred to as check truncation.

Check Amount - The dollar amount of the check.
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Check Capture - The component of OTCnet used to process scan images of checks and money 

orders through OTCnet for the electronic deposit of checks and money orders at financial 

institutions. Check capture can be done online through the internet, or offline through the 

user's desktop.

Check Capture Administrator - An agency user that has the authorization to define and modify 

the check capture sites; to manage accounting codes; to modify endpoint mappings; to 

configure Check Capture functions and perform upgrades of the application; to create and 

download user profiles; as well as download software or firmware to the terminal using the 

Download Check Capture application permission. Furthermore, this user can view checks at the 

item level or a batch at the summary level classified with multiple accounting codes, 

view/download CIRA CSV reports and ACR Activity reports, run CIRA queries and view other 

general reports such as the SF215 Deposit Ticket and 5515 Debit Voucher reports, as well as 

view and download Historical Reports. The agency user can view if an endpoint is designated 

for summary level classification, and the agency comments associated to an endpoint. Lastly, 

this user has the ability to create the CCA offline user logon profile using OTCnet online.

Check Capture Lead Operator - An agency user that has the authorization to in scan checks into 

a batch, view and classify checks at the item level or batch at the summary level with multiple 

accounting codes, close a batch, edit a batch, balance check amounts, and enter batch control 

values during batch closing. Additionally, the user is authorized to accept checks with poor 

quality, make MICR line corrections, and accept duplicate checks. This user is not authorized; 

however, to use an out-of-date LVD. This role can also establish, maintain, and view processing 

options for an endpoint pertaining to summary level classification and agency comments.

Check Capture Offline - A web-based functionality in the offline Check Capture application that 

resides in the user's desktop for capturing check images for the electronic deposit of checks and 

money orders. The check transactions are stored within a local database, and the check 

information will need to be uploaded to OTCnet server when there is internet connectivity 

before they can be deposited for settlement.

Check Capture Online - A web-based functionality within OTCnet to allow agencies users to 

process scanned images of checks and money orders for the electronic deposit of checks and 

money orders at financial institutions. The check transactions are directly saved to the OTCnet 

online database, and no upload of batches of checks are needed.

Check Capture Operator - An agency user that has the authorization to perform only very 

minimal Check Capture activities. This user has authorization to scan checks into a batch view 

and classify checks at the item level or a batch at the summary level with multiple accounting 

codes, close a batch, balance check amounts and enter batch control values during batch 

closing. The agency user can also view is an endpoint is designated for summary level 

classification, and the agency comments associated to an endpoint. Additionally, the user can 

enter/apply the Accounting Code at the time of scanning checks is established. This user does 
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not have authorization to accept duplicates, make MICR corrections, authorize the use of outof-date LVD, or accept checks with poor quality.

Check Capture Supervisor - An agency user that has the authorization to perform almost all the 

functions on the Check Capture including view and classify checks at the item level or a batch at 

the summary level with multiple accounting codes, accept duplicates (not recommended), 

make MICR corrections, authorize the use of out-of-date LVD, and accept checks with poor 

quality as well as view, modify, import, and modify endpoint mappings. This role can also 

establish, maintain, and view processing options for an endpoint pertaining to summary level 

classification and agency comments.

Check Image Report - A check processing business report that allows you to view the front and 

back images of a check for an Individual Reference Number (IRN) that you request.

Check Number - The printed number of the check writer's check.

CIRA CSV Report - A check processing business report that allows you to query check records 

that are associated with batches that have been forwarded for settlement more than 18 

months ago. The exported comma separated value report (CSV) data can be used to import the 

data into other applications within an agency. The report has been enhanced to provide users 

the option to solely retrieve mobile check transactions.

CIRA CSV Report - A check processing business report that allows users to search for all 

transactions in the system (including mobile check transactions) and allows users to export the 

results to a comma separated value report (CSV) file.

CIRA Viewer - A user that has authorization to view CIRA records and download CSV files. The 

agency user can view if an endpoint is designated for summary level classification, and the 

agency comments associated to an endpoint.

Classification Key (C-Key) - A unique agency accounting code assigned to a transaction. 

Agencies establish C-Keys in SAM for collection transactions that will be used to derive the 

appropriate values of TAS-BETC(s).

Clear - Indicates that a customer may present checks for a specific ABA Number and Account 

Number, because the prior restrictions on the individual's check payments have been removed. 

Note: Manually cleared items are permanently cleared. If a transaction is cleared in error, 

manual suspend, block or deny records need to be created in its place to prevent transactions.

Closed Batch Status - Indicates the batch is closed and no new checks may be scanned into that 

batch.
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Collections Information Repository (CIR) - (formerly TRS) A collections reporting tool, supplying 

the latest information on deposits and detail of collections transactions to federal agencies. The 

system will allow financial transaction information from all collections systems and settlement 

mechanisms to be exchanged in a single system.

Comma Separated Value

(CSV) - A computer data file used for storage of data structured in a table form. Each line in the 

CSV file corresponds to a row in the table. Within a line, fields are separated by commas, each 

field belonging to one table column.

Confirmed - A deposit that has been reviewed and then confirmed by a financial institution or 

FRB.

Cost Center Work Unit (CCWU) - A Federal Reserve cost center work unit that processing the 

FRB deposits and adjustments. It is normally abbreviated as CCWU, and provided only on noncommercial (FRB settled) transactions. Debits and credits processed by FRB Cleveland will be 

noted with the CCWU number 9910 on the daily accounting statement agencies receive from 

the Federal Reserve Bank.

Credentials - Evidence of authority, status, rights, or entitlement to privileges. Credentials are 

typically in written form (e.g., OLB credentials such as a login or password).

Custom Label - Text defined by OTCnet that describes a level in the organization hierarchy, the 

internal control number, or agency accounting code.

Customer Not Present Processing Method - The processing method selected in OTCnet when 

processing a check that has been presented by a check writer who is not present at the agency 

location i.e., mail.

Customer Present Processing Method - The processing method used in the OTCnet when the 

check writer is presenting the check in person.

D

Daily Voucher Report - A business report that allows you to view the daily voucher extract.

Data Type - The type of data that should be entered for a user defined field.

Date of Deposit - The date, prior to established cut off times, the user transmits a batch of 

checks and money orders through check capture, or the date the agency sends the physical 

negotiable instruments to the financial institution.

Debit Gateway - The financial settlement program that is responsible for the presenting and 

settling of payment transactions acquired through the OTCnet application. The Debit Gateway 

receives a transaction file from OTCnet and determines the proper path for settlement of each 
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item. Items are either converted to ACH for direct automated clearing house debit, or are 

included in an image cash letter, which is sent to the Check 21 system for presentment to 

paying banks. Once the file is processed, the Debit Gateway sends a Response Processing File 

(RPF) to OTCnet with the status of each of the items.

Demand Deposit Account (DDA) - The account at a financial institution where an organization 

deposits collections.

Denied - Indicates that the OTCnet system permanently denies an individual from cashing a 

check through OTCnet based on the combination of ABA number, account number, and User 

Defined Field 1. User Defined Field 1 is usually the SSN number of an individual.

Deny Date - Indicates when the verification record (MVD/LVD) expires, and OTCnet can start 

accepting checks that will be presented by a check writer that has previously presented a bad 

check. The Deny Date is calculated based on suspension periods configured in the Check 

Cashing policy of an OTC Endpoint.

Deposit - A collection of over-the-counter receipts deposited to a Treasury General Account for 

credit.

Deposit Activity (FI) Report - A business report that allows the financial institution to view 

deposits submitted to its location.

Deposit Approver - A user who has authorization to review and submit deposits to a financial 

institution.

Deposit Confirmer - A user at a financial institution that has authorization to verify the accuracy 

of deposits received from an agency.

Deposit History by Status Report - A business report that allows you to view deposits by status.

Deposit Information - The attributes that define a deposit: deposit status, voucher number, 

deposit endpoint, ALC, voucher date, deposit total, check/money order subtotal, currency 

subtotal, and subtotals by accounting code.

Deposit Preparer - A user that has authorization to prepare and save deposits for approval to a 

Deposit Approver.

Deposit Total - The total amount of over-the-counter receipts included in the deposit.

Deposits by Accounting Code Report - A business report that allows you to view deposits by 

accounting code.
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Deposits by OTC Endpoint Report - A business report that allows you to view deposits by OTC 

Endpoint.

Display Order Number - The order in which user defined fields (UDFs) should be displayed.

Division Number - A three-digit (e.g. 001) value assigned at lower level endpoints under the 

chain code to designate unique lines of accounting.

Draft - A deposit that is saved for modification at a later date by a Deposit Preparers.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) - A client/server protocol that automatically 

provides an Internet Protocol (IP) host with its IP address and other configuration information 

(e.g., the subnet mask or default gateway).

E

Exchange Rate - The decimal value used to convert foreign currency to the US dollar Equivalent 

(USE).

F

Failed - The item was unable to be processed and/or settled by Treasury/BFS. These are item 

that could not be collected such as foreign items or possible duplicate items. These items are 

not included on your 215 Report.

Federal Program Agency - A permanent or semi-permanent organization of government that is 

responsible for the oversight and administration of specific functions.

Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) - A Federal Reserve Bank is one of twelve regulatory bodies 

throughout the United States that make up the Federal Reserve System. Each Bank is given 

power over commercial and savings banks in its area and is charged with making sure that 

those banks comply with any and all rules and regulations.

Federal Reserve Bank-Cleveland (FRB-C) - FRB-C serves as the conduit for settlement of 

transactions originating from the OTCnet application. FRB-C is responsible for receiving the 

transaction data from OTCnet via forward file, and performing check clearing/transaction 

settlement as the debit gateway.

Federal Reserve System's Automated Clearing House (ACH) System - Enables debits and 

credits to be sent electronically between depository financial institutions.

Financial Institution (FI) - A bank, designated by the Treasury and a Treasury General Account 

(TGA) of International Treasury General Account (ITGA), which collects funds to be deposited in 

the Treasury General Account. These banks also include the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB).

Financial Institution Information - The name, address, routing transit number, and the demand 

deposit account number of a financial institution.
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Firmware - A release used for initial download or upgrades to the scanner software that allows 

a scanner to be used on a terminal. The firmware versions also contain a series of other backend installation files that should be installed on a terminal to enable it to be used for Check 

Capture in OTCnet.

Fiscal Year - A 12-month period for which an organization plans the use of its funds.

Forwarded Batch Status - Indicates the batch has been sent to Debit Gateway to initiate the 

settlement process.

Forwarded File - A term that is assigned to a file that contains the check transactions that is 

send from channel applications, such as OTCnet or ECP, to Debit Gateway for settlement 

purposes.

Franker - An internal stamp unit that stamps a check with "Electronically Processed" after the 

check is processed and scanned. Franker availability is based on the model of your scanner.

Franking - The process of stamping a check processed through Check Capture. The stamp 

indicates that the check was electronically processed.

H

Highest Level Organization - The primary level of the organization hierarchy.

I

IBM Security Identity Manager (ISIM) - Refers to Fiscal Service's Enterprise provisioning tool for 

user account and identity management.

Individual Reference Number (IRN) - The auto-generated unique number used in OTCnet to 

identify Check Capture transactions.

Input Length Maximum - The maximum number of characters that may be entered in a user 

defined field.

Input Length Minimum - The minimum number of characters that may be entered in a user 

defined field.

Internal Control Number - A customizable field for agency use to further describe a deposit.

Internal Control Number - A unique number or address that computing devices, (e.g., 

computers, laptops, tablets, etc.) connected to a computer network, use to identify themselves 

and communicate with other devices in an IP-based network (e.g., the Internet).
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Item Detail Report - A report that contains the information about an individual item (check) 

associated with a batch. The report print-out will contain MICR information, data entered about 

the check, and an image of the check obtained during scanning.

Item Type - Indicates whether the check presented is a personal or business check. This 

determines whether the check is handled through Check 21 (non-personal) or FedACH 

(personal).

K

Kiosk Operator User - A user with limited permissions for the OTC Kiosk tablet. Permissions 

include logging into the OTCnet Kiosk application, deposit processing, scanning checks, 

processing card payments and printing receipts.

Kiosk Lockdown Software - A process used to lock down the Windows Surface Pro workstation 

for use with the OTCnet Kiosk Tablet application. This involves removing the options, "Lock", 

"Sign out", "Change a password" and "Task Manager" when CTRL-ALT-Delete is pressed. This 

process only needs to be implemented once, as part of the initial workstation configuration. 

Locking down the tablet ensures that users cannot access any outside information or 

applications from the OTC Kiosk Tablet (e.g., checking email or accessing any other websites).

L

Local Accounting Specialist - A user who is an expert on the organizational structure, reporting 

needs and accounting rules for their depositing endpoint and its lower level OTC Endpoints. 

This role will establish, maintain, and view the organizational structure, accounting code 

mappings to individual endpoints, and the processing options that one or more lower level OTC 

Endpoints will use in OTCnet.

Local Security Administrator (LSA) - An agency or financial institution/federal reserve bank user 

who has authorization to maintain user access to an organization, including assigning/removing 

user roles and assigning/removing organization hierarchy access. This user is also able to 

request and create users for the organization.

Local Verification Database (LVD) - A database (specific to the endpoint using OTCnet) that is 

downloaded from OTCnet and stored locally on the agencies network, which replicates the 

information found in the Master Verification Database (MVD).

Lower Level Organization - Any organization created below the highest level organization.

LVD Contents Report - A check processing business report that allows you to view the contents 

of a Local Verification Database (LVD) for a given OTC Endpoint.
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M

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) - Digital characters on the bottom edge of a paper 

check containing the issuing bank's ABA number and account number. The check number may 

also be included.

Manual Card Entry - An option available in OTCnet for card processing, it allows agency users to 

manually enter a card number on behalf of the card holder so a card payment can be 

processed. It is only to be used as a contingency if all other payment methods fail.

Master Verification Database (MVD) - It is an online database specific to the agency that 

maintains the agency hierarchy check cashing policy, information on bad check writers, and 

manually entered blocked items based on an agency's policy. Bad check information is 

accumulated in the MVD as agencies process checks through Check Capture. The MVD provides 

downloads of dishonored check information and blocked items via the Local Verification 

Database (LVD) on a daily basis.

Master Verification Database (MVD) - A unique designator (e.g. 44450XXXXXXXXX) assigned by 

the acquirer to reflect the card processing location and may contain up to 13 characters. An ALC 

can be associated with multiple Merchant IDs; however, each Merchant ID must be unique for 

each lower level endpoint.

Master Verification Database (MVD) - A functionality in OTCnet; it allows the processing of 

mobile check transactions from the FedRevCollect mobile application (Mobile Server).

MVD Editor - A user that has the authorization to view, edit, and download CIRA records, view 

verification records, and read blocked records containing only ABA permissions, view other 

general reports such as the SF215 Deposit Ticket report, 5515 Debit Voucher report, the ACR 

Activity report and download Historical Reports. The agency user can view whether an endpoint 

is designated for summary level classification, and the agency comments associated to an 

endpoint.

MVD Viewer - A user that has the authorization to view and download CIRA records, view 

verification records, and read blocked records containing only ABA permissions. This role also 

has the permission to download CSV formatted reports, view other general reports such as the 

215 Deposit Ticket report, 5515 Debit Voucher report, the ACR Activity report, as well as view 

and download Historical Reports. The agency user can view if an endpoint is designated for 

summary level classification, and the agency comments associated to an endpoint.

N

Non-Personal Item Type - Indicates that the name on check is an organization, or that the 

check is a money order, traveler's check, or third-party check.
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Non-Reporting OTC Endpoints Report - A business report that allows you to view OTC 

Endpoints that have not reported a deposit.

O

Open Batch Status - Indicates the batch is open and accepting new checks.

Organization - The location or level within a Federal Program Agency.

Organization Hierarchy - The structure of a Federal Program Agency as defined in OTCnet.

Organization Hierarchy Report - A check processing business report that allows you to view the 

target OTC Endpoint within the context of the current OTC Endpoint.

OTC Collections - Receipts that contain cash, checks, and/or money orders that are collected 

over-the-counter by organization endpoints in exchange for goods or services.

OTC Endpoint - The endpoint (location) that collects over-the-counter (OTC) receipts and 

deposits them to the Treasury's General Account.

OTC Endpoint Credit-Debit-Card (CDC) - The endpoint (location) setup in OTCnet for use in card 

processing.

OTC Endpoint Check (CHK) - The endpoint (location) setup in OTCnet to use check capture.

OTC Endpoint Treasury General Account (TGA) - The endpoint (location) setup in OTCnet to 

use Deposit Reporting.

OTC Endpoint Mapping - The assignment of accounting codes to an agency's OTC Endpoint, for 

which a deposit amount can be allocated.

OTC Kiosk Tablet - A lightweight collections mobile tablet terminal that features OTCnet Check 

Processing and Card Processing with receipt printing functionalities. It allows agency customers 

to make check (personal only) and card payments (credit, debit and gift) independent of an 

agency representative.

OTCnet Generated Eight-Character Pairing Pin - A pairing pin is a unique eight-character 

OTCnet-generated number used to pair OTCnet and the card terminal. The number is entered 

the card terminal.

OTCnet Local Bridge (OLB) Application - Refers to an application installed on a workstation, 

used to facilitate communication between the browser and the operating system/workstation.
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OTCnet Offline - Refers to the over the counter application that provides Check Capture 

functionality to end users with limited internet activity, and provides the capability to upload 

offline-captured batches to the Online OTCnet application for processing.

OTCnet Online - Refers to the web-based over the counter application that provides Check 

Capture, Check Processing and Deposit Processing functions to end users (that have constant 

internet activity).

Over the Counter Channel Application (OTCnet) - Refers to the over the counter application 

that provide Check Capture and Deposit Reporting to end users.

P

Personal Item Type - Indicates that the name on check is an individual's name, not acting as a 

business.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII) - Any piece of information which can potentially be 

used to uniquely identify, contact, or locate a single person or can be used with other sources 

to uniquely identify a single individual. Examples of PII include, but are not limited to, social 

security numbers, dates and place of birth, mother’s maiden name and biometric records.

Primary Local Security Administrator (PLSA) - An agency or financial institution/federal reserve 

bank user who has authorization to maintain user access to an organization, including 

assigning/removing user roles and assigning/removing organization hierarchy access. This user 

is also able to request and create users for the organization.

Processing Options - User-defined parameters for the deposit and adjustment processes.

Processing Options by OTC Endpoints Report - A business report that allows you to view.

Q

Queue Interface - Used by military agencies that utilize the Deployable Disbursing System (DDS) 

database bridge. It provides a single transaction input point, prevents data entry errors, and 

discrepancy between both systems.

R

Received - The agency has sent this transaction through OTCnet. No settlement has been 

performed for this transaction yet.

Received Date - The date the check was received by web-based OTCnet.

Rejected - A deposit that is returned by a financial institution or FRB to the Deposit Preparer to 

create a new deposit.
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Represented - This transaction was returned with a reason code that allows for another 

collection attempt to be made (see Appendix Chapter of the Participant User Guides for Reason 

Codes). Depending on an agency's policy, the item is reprocessed in an attempt to collect the 

funds from the check writer. Items with this status are in-process of collection.

Retired - This transaction was unable to be collected. The agency receives an SF5515 Debit 

Voucher Report with a debit processed to Debit Gateway, the effective date and debit voucher 

number. The offset to the agency's debit is an ACH return or a paper return (Check 21) received 

from the check writer's financial institution. This transaction cannot be processed again through 

OTCnet.

Return Reason Codes - Represent the numeric codes used in the ACH and paper return 

processing, which specify the reason for the return of the transaction and Check 21 codes.

Return Settlement Date - The effective date of settlement of the returned check item.

Returned Item - A check that was originally part of an OTCnet deposit but returned to the 

financial institution for non-sufficient funds, closed account, etc.

Routing Transit Number (RTN) - (also known as American Bankers Association (ABA) Number or 

Bank Routing Number) - The nine-digit number used to identify a Financial Institution.

S

Save as Draft - An option that allows a Deposit Preparer to save a deposit for modification at a 

later date.

Save for Approval - An option that allows a Deposit Preparer to save a deposit for a Deposit 

Approver to submit to a financial institution.

Send Error Batch Status - Indicates the batch was transmitted and fully processed by the 

OTCnet server without error.

Sent Batch Status - Indicates the batch was uploaded online without error.

Separation of Duties - A concept used to ensure there are typically separate personnel with 

authority to authorize a transaction, process the transaction, and review the transaction.

Settle Best Method - The option that allows OTCnet to decide the best settlement method for 

personal and non-personal checks.

Settled - This transaction is complete and the funds have been credited to the agency's 

Treasury General Account. The effective date of the deposit and the SF215 Deposit Ticket 

Report deposit ticket number are provided.
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Glossary

17

Settlement Date - The date the deposit is credited to the Treasury General Account.

SF215 Deposit Ticket Report - The report presented to a financial institution by a U.S. 

government agency with checks and other payment instruments to make a manual deposit. 

This report is manually generated for Deposit Reporting and auto-generated for Check capture. 

The report is available in OTCnet for 45 calendar days.

SF5515 Debit Voucher Report - The report used to debit the Treasury General Account (TGA) to 

decrease the amount of a deposit made to that account. This report is manually generated for 

Deposit Reporting and auto-generated for Check capture. The report is available in OTCnet for 

45 calendar days.

Share Accounting Module (SAM) - The application that facilitates the process of validating or 

deriving Treasury Account Symbol (TAS) and Business Event Type Code (BETC) combinations to 

assist CARS/GWA in classifying financial transactions as they occur.

Short Name/Code - The user-defined text describing an organization. Short Names/Codes must 

be unique within an organization hierarchy.

Static Internet Protocol (IP) Address - An address that stays constant over time, it does not 

change, and is assigned specifically to one device (e.g., a computer). The alternative is a 

dynamic IP address, which is temporarily assigned.

Statistical Report - A check processing administration report that allows you to view statistical 

details for an OTC Endpoint. The report includes statistical information regarding the total 

transactions, overall success rate, total returns sent back to the agency, and total returns 

received. The report is searchable for a duration of up to 15 days.

Submit - An option that allows a Deposit Approver to submit a deposit to a financial institution.

Submitted - A deposit that is submitted and waiting deposit confirmation by a Deposit 

Confirmer.

Suspend - Indicates that an individual's record is set to a predetermined suspension period. 

During this time, OTCnet prevents an individual from processing a check through OTCnet. The 

individual's database record has a Trade Status of Suspend and the expiration date is set until a 

specific date.

T

Terminal ID - The unique number assigned to the workstation where a user performs functions 

in OTCnet.
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Glossary

18

Trade Status - Represents the status of the verification records. There are four 4 possible trade 

statuses in the system: Blocked, Denied, Suspended, and Cleared. The Trade Status 

D-Suspended or D-Denied is assigned to auto generated Dynamic records.

Transaction History - Defines the time range that a Deposit Confirmer will be able to view the 

historical deposit transactions for his or her financial institutions. For example, if the 

transaction history is set at 45 days, the Deposit Confirmer will be able to view all the deposits 

that he or she has confirmed for the past 45 days.

Transaction Reporting System (TRS) - A collections reporting tool, supplying the latest 

information on deposits and detail of collections transactions to federal agencies. The system 

will allow financial transaction information from all collections systems and settlement 

mechanisms to be exchanged in a single system.

Treasury Account Symbol (TAS) - The receipt, expenditure, appropriation, and other fund 

account symbols and titles as assigned by Treasury.

U

Universal Serial Bus (USB) - A connection port on a computer that is universally compatible 

with many types of devices, such as printers, speakers, mouse, flash drives, etc.

US Dollar Equivalent (USE) - The deposit amount, in United States currency, which is equal to 

the foreign currency for which it is being exchanged.

US Treasury - The executive department and the Treasury of the United States federal 

government.

User Defined Field (UDF) - A user-defined text that describes deposit activity or deposit 

accounting activity.

User Information Report - A security report allows that you to view a user's contact 

information.

Users by Access Group (FI) Report - A security report that allows you to view users by financial 

institution

Users by Access Group (FPA) Report - A security report that allows you to view users by OTC 

Endpoint.

Users by Role (FI) Report - A security report that allows you to view users by role for your 

financial institution.

Users by Role (FPA) Report - A security report that allows you to view users by role for your 

OTC Endpoint.
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Glossary

19

V

View CIR File Status Report - An administration report allows you to view the status of CIR files 

that have been processed by Collections Information Repository (CIR) or are ready for CIR to 

process.

View CIR Transmission Status for Check Processing - A check processing administration report 

that allows you to view the status of CIR files that have been processed by CIR or are ready for 

CIR processing.

Vouchers Completed Report - An administration report allows you to view the status of deposit 

and adjustment vouchers that have completed processed through the FI System To System 

Interface in the past 36 hours.

Vouchers in Progress Report - An administration report allows you to view the status of deposit 

and adjustment vouchers in progress.

Viewer - A user who has authorization to view OTCnet information and produce reports from it.

Voucher Date - The day that Debit Gateway receives transactions from OTCnet.

Voucher Number - The number assigned to a deposit by OTCnet.

W

WorldPay - (formerly Vantiv) A credit card, debit card and gift card merchant processor who is 

responsible for the creation of card acquiring service (CAS) accounts including chain codes and 

merchant IDs.